DARLINGTON MP Jenny Chapman has backed a campaign to get more people using buses in the town.

Ms Chapman attended the Darlington launch of the national Catch the Bus Week initiative and said bus companies should continue to do all they can to encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

She said: “I think it is important to encourage more people to use buses because it means we get more cars off the road which reduces congestion, it is also better for the environment and there is a health benefit to getting a walk at either end of your journey.

“I think bus companies need to do their best and I am pleased that Arriva seem to be willing to try and make it easier for passengers.

“They are investing in new buses and what we need to see is more buses going to places that people want to be, on time, and we need fares to stay down so that people can afford to use the bus.”